Hilal Ahmad Dar was killed in army firing at Ashtengoo Naar area of Bandipora district, 55 km from here, late last night, official sources said today.
An Army spokesman said the youth was killed following an exchange of fire with militants during an ambush operation laid by the troops of 27 Rashtriya Rifles.
He did not specify whether the deceased was involved in militancy but claimed recovery of an AK-47 rifle and some ammunition from the scene of "encounter".
He said the body and the weapon were handed over to local police.
As Dar's body, who was working as security guard with a private company, was handed over to his next of kin, local residents took to streets and staged a demonstration at his native Aloosa village, the sources said.
They said the locals refused to bury the body till Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the village.
The protesters alleged that Dar was shot dead in cold blood and without any provocation.
The body was taken in a procession from Aloosa towards Bandipora town but the protesters were intercepted by police near Quil village, resulting in clashes that left three protesters and two policemen - including an officer - injured, the sources said. (MORE)
